South Africa Opens New Inquiry into Apartheid-Era Killings Known as Cradock Four

South Africa has launched a new inquiry into the killings of the Cradock Four, four Black men murdered by apartheid-era security forces 40 years ago. The family of Sicelo Mhlauli received his body back mutilated, highlighting the brutality of the apartheid regime. There has been no accountability for the deaths, and the inquiry aims to bring justice and truth to the families affected.

A new inquiry has been launched in South Africa into the killings of the Cradock Four—a name that has become synonymous with the harrowing violence of apartheid. This comes 40 years after the tragic deaths of four Black men, namely Sicelo Mhlauli, who, along with his friends, was abducted by security forces. Much remains unresolved, as their murders continue to haunt the families and the nation, and no one has yet faced justice for these heinous acts.

The inquiry may bring to light the grim circumstances surrounding the deaths of Sicelo and his companions, and in a tragic revelation, Nombuyiselo Mhlauli recounted the terrible state of her husband’s body when it was returned to her. She described it as having over 25 stab wounds on his chest and seven more on his back, aside from a gash along his throat and the loss of his right hand. It is a grim reminder of the brutality faced by those who opposed the apartheid regime.

The Cradock Four—Sicelo Mhlauli, as well as others—were killed at the hands of the apartheid government’s security forces during a time of intense violence and oppression. The inquiry aims to not only uncover truth but also serve as a form of reconciliation for the victims’ families, who have long suffered without closure. It is an opportunity for South Africa to confront its painful past, which continues to linger.

Despite the passage of four decades, the atmosphere remains charged. Many believe that bringing those responsible to justice could be a step toward healing for families devastated by the loss of their loved ones. As the inquiry proceeds, there will be hopes that the families of the Cradock Four can finally find some semblance of closure as South Africa reflects on its tumultuous history.

The reopening of the inquiry into the Cradock Four sheds light on the violent legacy of apartheid in South Africa. With no accountability for these heinous crimes for forty years, families look toward the inquiry for truth and justice. This case stands not only as a solemn reminder of the brutality of past regimes but also as a critical step in a nation’s journey toward reconciliation and healing.

Original Source: kdhnews.com